Category Archives: News

Rajasthan to Host World’s First Zinc Park, Announced by CM in Collaboration with Hindustan Zinc

Delhi, December 10, 2024: In a landmark announcement today at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, Vedanta’s Hindustan Zinc, the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, revealed plans to establish the world’s first industrial Zinc Park in Rajasthan. The Honourable Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, in presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group graced the occasion to mark this pivotal moment in Rajasthan’s industrial future.

Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Group, outlined the strategic importance of the Zinc Park as a critical component of Vedanta’s fresh Rs. 1 lakh crore investment across zinc, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors in Rajasthan. The ambitious not-for-profit Zinc Park is poised to serve as a transformative industrial ecosystem, driving both upstream and downstream industries in metals and manufacturing. Also present during the ceremony were Smt. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson – Hindustan Zinc Limited and Shri Arun Misra, CEO – Hindustan Zinc Limited, underscoring the significance of this landmark initiative.

Strategic Location and World-Class Infrastructure

The proposed Zinc Park will be strategically located near Hindustan Zinc’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the world’s largest single-location zinc-lead smelter at Chanderiya, Chittorgarh, and top-tier plants at Dariba and Debari. It will thousands of jobs and will offer world-class infrastructure, developed industrial land, reliable utilities, a steady supply of raw materials and competitive costs, enabling businesses to seamlessly establish their operations.

The park will operate entirely on renewable energy, aligning with Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to sustainability. It will provide a comprehensive platform for industries ranging from large enterprises to MSMEs and budding entrepreneurs with initial investments as low as Rs. 5 crores, catering to sectors requiring zinc, lead, silver, and related byproducts. Additionally, the park will serve suppliers, offering a cost-effective and resource-efficient environment for raw material, maintenance services and equipment suppliers.

The Zinc Park will also be a hub of innovation, with access to Hindustan Zinc’s Centre of Excellence and R&D facilities, fostering collaboration in product development and the creation of customized alloys. Furthermore, a portion of Hindustan Zinc’s metal production will be exclusively allocated to the park, ensuring supply chain reliability, just-in-time delivery, and a reduced carbon footprint across the entire value chain. Backed by the robust institutional environment of Rajasthan, the park will enable access to various policy benefits of the state enabling access to domestic as well as global markets.

A Holistic Vision for Rajasthan’s Growth

Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, said, “We welcome Vedanta’s initiative of establishing the world’s first Zinc Park in Rajasthan. Rajasthan’s new double engine government is committed to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Rajasthan offers the best business-friendly policies, incentives and support in the country. With an abundance of resources and mega investments planned in Rajasthan, the entire state machinery stands tall with entrepreneurs at every step. I will ensure that the State Government provides full support to investors to come and invest in Rajasthan and join us in building a prosperous future.”

Shri Anil Agarwal, Chairman of Vedanta Group, stated, “The Zinc Park which we will establish on a not-for-profit basis will enable the setting up of hundreds of MSMEs and create massive jobs. It will reinforce Rajasthan’s leadership position in critical minerals and energy. Rajasthan is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including hydrocarbons, zinc, lead, silver, copper, rock phosphate, making it a land of amazing opportunities. And it is already a leader in solar energy capacity. Vedanta is fully committed to Rajasthan. Our cumulative investment of over Rs. 2.5 lakh crores in the state will significantly enhance its industrial ecosystem, create jobs for over 2 lakh people, and drive exponential economic growth.”

A Promising Future for Rajasthan

Ahead of the summit, Vedanta announced a fresh Rs. 1 lakh crore investment in the state, which will catalyze the creation of over 2 lakh jobs and support more than 500 downstream industries across sectors. Hindustan Zinc plans to double its zinc production capacity, expand its silver production, and introduce India’s first fertilizer plant, while Cairn Oil & Gas will boost its oil production, and Serentica Renewables will develop 10,000 MW of renewable energy capacity.

As the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and a leader in the global transition to sustainable energy, Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, is committed to leading innovation in metals and mining, providing critical resources for industries worldwide. The company was recently recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023.

This announcement underscores Hindustan Zinc’s role in driving Rajasthan’s economic growth, positioning the state as a critical player in the global industrial landscape.

Phenom Boosts Expansion in India, Revolutionizing HR with AI and Automation

Hyderabad, December 10, 2024 – Phenom, a global AI company, is poised to accelerate its growth in India with IAMPHENOM India on December 13, 2024, at the Trident Hotel, HITEC City, Hyderabad. The event will bring together over 500 senior HR leaders to explore how intelligence, automation, and experience are transforming talent acquisition and management and driving the future of work.

India: A Strategic Growth Hub for Phenom
India is a cornerstone of Phenom’s global strategy, offering a dynamic market where enterprises are rapidly embracing digital transformation. As Indian consumers increasingly prioritize experience across sectors, organizations in banking, insurance, and technology, for example, are demanding similar innovation in HR. By leveraging AI and automation, Phenom empowers Indian enterprises to scale talent acquisition, optimize talent management and enhance retention, while unlocking workforce productivity, to drive meaningful business outcomes.

“India is a critical growth market for Phenom, driven by its rapidly expanding enterprise ecosystem and growing adoption of digital HR technologies. With over 6,000 large enterprises, the country offers immense potential for innovation in talent experience.” said Hari Bayireddi, President, COO & Co-Founder, Phenom. “As we target exponential growth in India, we are addressing key challenges like seamless hiring and retention solutions, upskilling, personalized engagement, etc.”

“Our offices in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Vizag form the foundation of this growth, with plans to double our workforce and serve over 1,100 enterprise customers in the next two years. IAMPHENOM INDIA is more than an event—it’s a transformative platform to redefine HR through collaboration and innovation in intelligence, automation, and experience. We invite HR leaders to join us in shaping smarter, more connected workplaces for the future.” adds Hari.

The Role of AI in Redefining Talent Experiences
AI is transforming HR by making processes more efficient and experiences more personalized. Phenom’s solutions have consistently delivered results such as faster hiring cycles, reduced attrition rates, and enhanced recruiter productivity.

“Exceptional talent experiences are no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses to thrive. AI is the bridge that connects enterprises with meaningful talent outcomes, helping organizations unlock their full potential,” Hari emphasized.

IAMPHENOM: A Proven Platform for HR Innovation
Phenom’s IAMPHENOM flagship event in the U.S. has emerged as the perfect setting for HR innovation, showcasing how collaboration among HR practitioners, technologists, and policymakers drives measurable business impact. With IAMPHENOM INDIA, Phenom brings this transformative experience to one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Key Highlights of IAMPHENOM INDIA

•  Visionary thought leadership into the future of AI and automation in India’s growth story during a Fireside Chat with Chief Guest D. Sridhar Babu, Minister of IT, E&C, Industries & Commerce & Legislative Assembly, Govt. of Telangana.
• Exclusive insights from global industry pioneers, including Mahe Bayireddi and Hari Bayireddi, co-founders of Phenom.
• Spotlight sessions where attendees will discover leading practices and success stories from India’s top enterprises.
• Deep-dive sessions on AI’s transformative role in high volume talent acquisition, workforce intelligence, talent development, career pathing, and personalized talent experiences.
• Product innovation showcase to discover how Phenom’s AI-powered solutions are empowering enterprises to hire faster, develop better, and retain employees longer.
• Networking opportunities with over 500 HR and TA leadership, fostering collaboration and innovation to solve real-world challenges.

Time Management Tips Every Student Needs to Juggle School, Activities, and Life

By-Ms. Niru Agarwal, Managing Trustee, Greenwood High International School

In an era where juggling multiple tasks is the norm, effective time management is crucial, especially for students. Balancing academics, extracurriculars, and personal life requires organized schedules and realistic goals, which can enhance productivity and achieve a well-rounded life balance. Modern educational institutions focus on equipping students with time management strategies to manage their demanding schedules and reduce stress and with the integration of key components like planning, prioritizing, scheduling, monitoring, and evaluation into their daily routines, students can improve their overall efficiency.

BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT

Enhances productivity and quality of work

Prioritizing tasks and setting clear goals focuses on the important activities and significantly boosts productivity and enables students to accomplish more in less time. Allocating sufficient time for each task or activity ensures that you can work without rushing, leading to higher-quality output.

Better work-life balance

Effective time management strategies help in avoiding last-minute cramming or rushes with deadlines. These strategies reduce stress and anxiety by providing clarity on what needs to be done, allowing for peace of mind. Managing time efficiently ensures students have time for both work and personal life, allowing for adequate rest, recreation, and time with family and friends.

Enhanced focus and goal achievement

Prioritizing and planning by setting clear goals helps you focus on one task at a time, reducing distractions and improving one’s focus, leading to faster completion of tasks with better results. Setting and adhering to deadlines helps systematically to achieve long-term goals.

Creates opportunities

Efficient time management creates opportunities for incorporating new projects and experiences into daily routines. Proper utilization of time allows for learning and skill enhancement, beneficial for both professional and personal growth.

ROLE OF PARENTS AND TEACHERS IN TIME MANAGEMENT

The value of time management should first start from parents and later be honed by teachers from childhood. Parents and teachers act as crucial characters in any student’s life imparting essential time management skills and should set clear expectations for time management to help children understand the importance of a healthy life and provide tools such as schedules, planners, and time-tracking devices to help them organize their tasks effectively. They also have to encourage prioritization among children based on the importance of a task and help them figure out deadlines and focus on what needs immediate action and attention. Mentors should also demonstrate effective time management through their routines, serving as practical examples for children to adopt. Both parents and teachers should offer support and encourage children in times of need while facing challenges, helping them to develop and refine their skills.

Effective time management is essential for students to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life. By prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, and using tools like planners, students can enhance productivity, improve the quality of their work, and reduce stress. Techniques such as Pomodoro and breaking tasks into smaller steps can help maintain focus and motivation. It is crucial to overcome common challenges like procrastination and distractions to achieve efficiency and trainers play a vital role in teaching and modeling time management skills among students. Mastering these skills not only boosts academic performance but also fosters long-term career success, work-life balance, and personal growth.

MIT Bengaluru Launches Autonomous Mobility Hub, Inaugurated by AICTE Chairman, Featuring Electric Buggy

Bengaluru, 9 December 2024: In a landmark event that marks a major leap in the future of transportation, the Center of Excellence in Autonomous Mobility was inaugurated today at MIT Bengaluru by AICTE Chairman Dr. T. G. Sitharam. This ambitious initiative, a collaboration between MIT Bengaluru, Decibel Lab Pvt. Ltd., and Virya AI (Maini Group), is set to drive cutting-edge advancements in autonomous mobility technologies.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of a state-of-the-art autonomous six-seater electric buggy, jointly designed and developed by Virya AI in collaboration with the Center. This unveiling underscore the potential of autonomous mobility to transform transportation, offering safer, smarter, and sustainable solutions.

The Center, equipped with advanced tools such as LIDAR sensors, radar, high-resolution cameras, and cutting-edge simulation software, aims to foster innovation in autonomous vehicle systems. With a focus on safe and reliable autonomous mobility solutions, it will enable students, researchers, and industry professionals to collaborate on groundbreaking projects, ensuring India’s position at the forefront of this transformative industry.

The Center has been established in partnership with Decibel Lab Pvt. Ltd., whose expertise in building an autonomous mobility lab for four-wheeler vehicles will be instrumental, and Virya AI (Maini Group), which played a key role in developing the autonomous buggy unveiled today. Both collaborations reflect the Center’s emphasis on bridging the gap between academia and industry to create impactful solutions for real-world challenges.

Expressing his vision for the initiative, Prof. Madhu Veeraraghavan, Pro Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, stated, “The Center of Excellence in Autonomous Mobility is a testament to MAHE’s unwavering commitment to innovation and cutting-edge research. This initiative will enable us to create transformative solutions in transportation while contributing to the development of sustainable and safe mobility systems. I am proud of our faculty and partners who have worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality.”

Dr. Iven Jose, Director of MIT Bengaluru, added, “Today marks a significant milestone for MIT Bengaluru. The inauguration of the Center represents a fusion of advanced technology, academic leadership, and industry expertise. With this Center, we aim to create a platform for innovation that not only addresses the challenges of autonomous mobility but also serves as a beacon for collaboration between academia and industry. The autonomous buggy unveiled today is just the beginning of what this Center can achieve. The centre also caters to exclusive laboratory for Sensor design, Algorithm development and autonomous cyber security stack, it also plans to take up its development in autonomous assistive technology ”

The Center is led by Dr. Ujjwal Verma, Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), and Dr. Mahipal Bukya, Assistant Director of IQAC, who have spearheaded its establishment. The facility will serve as a research and training hub for students and professionals alike, focusing on algorithm development, vehicle perception, and navigation in complex traffic environments. It will also facilitate collaborations with industry partners to upskill their workforce in autonomous vehicle technologies.

The Center’s efforts will be geared towards developing solutions that address pressing global challenges, such as urban congestion, traffic safety, and sustainability, while also nurturing the next generation of innovators and researchers in autonomous mobility.

The establishment of the Center of Excellence in Autonomous Mobility highlights MIT Bengaluru’s commitment to shaping the future of transportation. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, the Center is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing autonomous mobility solutions and contributing to the global push for safer and more sustainable transportation systems.

With the support of leading industry partners like Decibel Lab Pvt. Ltd. and Virya AI, along with the leadership of MAHE and MIT Bengaluru, this initiative is expected to make significant contributions to India’s technological landscape and beyond.

JBCN Borivali’s Literary Oasis Sparks a New Wave of Readers and Changemakers

December 9th 2024, Mumbai: JBCN International School, Borivali, recently concluded activities of its long-term ongoing learner-driven initiative, Literary Oasis. The initiative, aimed at promoting the joy of reading and curiosity amongst school-goers, this time focused on setting up two reading stations with 400 books at MBH School; and organising a book donation drive comprising over 250 books at Gyantara Academy on Children’s Day.

The Literary Oasis event, held on the occasion of Children’s Day, at Gyantara Academy in Kandivali East, focused on establishing a new library. JBCN learners organised a book donation drive, collecting 250 pre-loved books for this purpose. The event included the inauguration of Gyantara Academy’s library, celebrated in conjunction with Children’s Day. Thirty Gyantara learners and JBCN faculty participated, with Ms. Ajanta Rajpati Yadav owner of Gyantara Academy, serving as the chief guest.

Ms Debika Chatterji, Director Principal of JBCN International School, Borivali said, “Ever since learners have taken charge of large and continuous projects such as the Literary Oasis, the success of the events continue to assure us that we have taken the right steps to foster learner leadership and holistic education. Also, it is heartening to know that the love for reading persists and will continue to enrich the upcoming generations.”

The October leg of the initiative saw the culmination of a learner-driven project focused on establishing two reading stations at MBH School. Learners from JBCN International School, Borivali, organised a book donation drive, collecting 400 pre-loved books. These books were then thoughtfully divided between two reading stations, one on the ground floor and one on the second floor of MBH School, creating diverse collections to cater to a wide range of interests. The enthusiastic response from MBH learners and teachers underscored the success of this initiative.

Learners who were part of the Literary Oasis projects witnessed a wave of enthusiasm among the participants who were actively browsing through the newly established reading stations. According to the organisers, similar interest has been witnessed across the chapters of the initiative right from the inaugural event of the project, which was held at Whispering Palm in Lokhandwala Township, Kandivali (East) in October 2023.

Pernod Ricard India’s Rural Initiatives Benefit Over 10,000 Farmers Every Year

Mumbai, 9th December 2024: Pernod Ricard India (PRI), a worldwide leader in the spirits and wine industry, is bolstering rural development with its transformative initiatives in sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. PRI’s CSR Programs on WAL (Water, Agriculture, Livelihoods) work with more than 10,000 farmers every year, fostering resilience, innovation, and inclusivity in the agricultural sector. The major focus of WAL is safeguarding year-round access to water to communities (4,484 million litres of groundwater recharge potential generated with 2,355 structures since 2019), promoting micro-irrigation for improved production, drought resilience, resource optimization and creating local value chains. So far, it has successfully increased the agricultural yield by 20% and reduced input costs by 22%.

PRI’s focus on collective success is evident through its 8 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across 5 states of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, enhancing the livelihood of more than 4,000 farmers in 150 villages. These FPOs led by small and marginal farmers foster collaboration, equip them with scientific knowledge, and provide access to critical resources like inputs, credit, and market intelligence.

Women empowerment is a cornerstone of PRI’s inclusive development initiatives. PRI is fostering entrepreneurial leadership among women through its 56 Women Producer Groups. Women-led microenterprises thrive in Nashik, with innovative projects like tomato polytunnels, flour mills, and sewai machines spanning 3 villages, 7 SHGs and 60 women. In Kanpur PRI’s initiatives in papad-making and mustard oil production in Behror have transformed traditional skills into thriving, sustainable enterprises. With women now comprising 50% of FPO board members and 35% of its shareholders, PRI’s initiatives are rewriting the narrative of gender equity in rural economies.

Gagandeep Sethi, Senior Vice President, Integrated Operations and S&R (Sustainability & Responsibility), said, “At Pernod Ricard India, our S&R initiatives are guided by the “Good Times from a Good Place” philosophy. The WAL initiative is at the forefront of all our sustainability efforts. It reflects our commitment to sustainable agriculture by empowering communities with water security, innovative practices, and meaningful impact. Through IoT technology and AI- driven analytics, PRI is driving lasting impact with data-driven insights that empower farmers to optimize resources and track sustainability metrics with precision.”

PRI’s Community Resource Centres (CRCs) serve as vital knowledge hubs, bridging traditional farming with modern agricultural practices. Offering targeted training programs, real-time market insights, and essential resources, these CRCs empower farmers to make informed decisions, improve yields, and ensure long-term sustainability. Additionally, 8 PRI’s ‘Kisan Sansadhan Kendras’ (Custom Hiring Centres) provide mechanized tools to 4,250 farmers across 82 villages, promoting access to mechanization in agriculture, resulting in increased productivity.

Through its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, PRI continues to be a transformative force in rural India. Its holistic approach not only addresses the immediate needs of farmers but also ensures long-term prosperity for the communities it serves. PRI’s initiatives create a ripple effect across the agricultural value chain, enhancing the livelihoods of farmers, empowering women, and paving the way for a future where rural economies thrive sustainably.

Universal Sompo and CRY Join Forces to Support Education for Marginalized Communities in Andhra Pradesh

9th December 2024 – Universal Sompo General Insurance Collaborates with CRY to Empower Education for Marginalized Communities in Andhra Pradesh.

Universal Sompo announced its collaboration with Child Rights and You (CRY) to foster educational opportunities for children in marginalized communities in Andhra Pradesh. The partnership comes on the eve of inauguration of Universal Sompo’s new corporate office in Mumbai. The initiative aims to address barriers to education and equip students with the tools needed to pursue professional courses and brighter futures. This program will directly benefit 114 students and 82 families, empowering communities by facilitating access to professional courses and better career opportunities.

The collaboration will initiate an educational project aimed at establishing Remedial Tuition Centres specifically for 10th and 12th-grade students. The project aims to prepare students for their board examinations over a three-month period (Jan to March 2025), ensuring that all enrolled 10th and 12th graders successfully appear for these critical assessments. The initiative seeks to improve learning outcomes, particularly in challenging subjects like Mathematics and Science, guide students toward professional and science-based education streams. Additionally, the initiative includes career counselling to assist students in making informed decisions about pursuing science and mathematics streams in intermediate education, as well as engineering or medical courses in tertiary education.

Sharad Mathur, MD & CEO, Universal Sompo, remarked, “Our collaboration with CRY represents our commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable development. Education is the cornerstone of progress, and through this initiative we aim to help children achieve academic excellence and unlock their potential for a brighter future. As the appointed insurer for the state of Andhra Pradesh, Universal Sompo continues to contribute to regional development, aligning its efforts with its mission to create meaningful social impact.”

Kreeanne Rabadi, Regional Director, CRY – West States, “We are honoured to be associated with Universal Sompo in our mission to empower children through education. For four decades now, CRY has been instrumental in changing lives of lakhs of children across the country. We hope this collaboration empowers more young children in a positive way.”

Maison Sia Opens Its Elegant New Flagship Store in the Capital

New Delhi — Maison Sia is proud to unveil its flagship store in New Delhi, offering an enticing blend of international craftsmanship and Indian aesthetics. Spanning an elegantly appointed space, the boutique showcases an extraordinary collection featuring works by distinguished designers like Jean-François Lemaire and Glasremis, each piece carefully selected to narrate a global design story that transcends traditional boundaries.

 “India’s emerging luxury design market, with its hunger for authentic and extraordinary experiences, perfectly mirrors Maison Sia’s creative philosophy,” says Vratika Gupta, founder of the brand. “Our flagship store is an example of our dedication to bringing the world’s most exceptional design sagas directly into the homes of sophisticated collectors.”

 Anchored by a strong network of international design partnerships, Maison Sia’s Delhi store introduces an innovative retail concept that seamlessly integrates brands like EDRA with local architectural visionaries such as Seza Architects. This store also marks the launch of Maison Sia’s first furniture vertical, Maison Sia x Edra, introducing the collaboration through its carefully curated space. Reflecting the brand’s commitment to design excellence, which earned Maison Sia the prestigious Economic Times’ Excellence in Luxury Retail award, the store communicates a global design language.

 The brand’s statement decor reflects precision and craftsmanship, while designer wallpapers add character and sophistication to walls. Their lighting solutions combine artistic design with functionality, using responsibly sourced materials to enhance every corner of your home with thoughtful and innovative design.

 Far from the traditional retail experiences, Maison Sia’s Try & Buy approach redefines the boundaries between client imagination and design realization. The brand’s proprietary 3D visualization service acts as a creative conduit, translating design dreams into tangible possibilities, ensuring that each client experiences a reflection of individual aesthetics.

 The glamorous Delhi launch of Maison Sia’s flagship store became the epicenter of haute design, drawing an exclusive congregation of UHNIs curated by celebrated personalities like designer Mayyur Girotra and multi-faceted artist Bahaar Dhawan. Bollywood’s style icon Sussanne Khan graced the event, adding her signature aesthetic to the evening, while the store’s opulent interiors told stories of global design influences and exceptional craftsmanship.

 The New Delhi flagship store marks a milestone in Maison Sia’s nationwide journey, with more carefully planned stores, each designed to showcase global design excellence. The brand’s ambitious rollout signals a new chapter in luxury home décor, promising to bring extraordinary collections and international design narratives directly to India’s design connoisseurs.

Rajkummar Rao Joins Cashfree Payments as Brand Ambassador for ‘Move Fast’ Campaign

Bangalore, December 9th: Cashfree Payments, India’s leading payments and API banking platform, has announced the appointment of acclaimed actor Rajkummar Rao as its brand ambassador. Alongside this, the company launched its new brand refresh campaign, Move Fast, emphasising its commitment to speed and agility. The campaign positions Cashfree Payments as a go-to partner for businesses seeking faster onboarding, faster payments and faster support.

Onboarding versatile Indian actor Rajkummar Rao as the face of this campaign, the company has released a digital film that showcases the brand’s bolder and sharper direction and vision. The film illustrates how Cashfree Payments empowers merchants of all sizes and at every stage of growth to experience fast onboarding, smooth transactions, and seamless support—enabling them to scale effortlessly and focus on what truly matters: growth and success.

Speaking about the brand refresh, Akash Sinha, CEO & Co-Founder of Cashfree Payments, said, “We are excited to welcome the talented Rajkummar Rao as the brand ambassador. Our refreshed brand centres around one core idea: ‘Move Fast’. With us, businesses can adapt and grow confidently, knowing we support their evolving needs. ‘Move Fast’ isn’t just about the present; it’s about partnering with businesses for the future and empowering them to stay ahead of the curve. With Rajkummar Rao onboard, this campaign reinforces our commitment to providing businesses with the speed, flexibility, agility and support they need to grow and thrive in an ever-evolving digital world.”

Commenting on this collaboration, Rajkummar Rao, an acclaimed Indian Actor, said, “I am thrilled to be part of the Cashfree family. Today, digital payments have become an integral part of our daily lives, making transactions smoother and more efficient. Partnering with a brand that has been at the forefront of the fintech revolution and empowering Indian businesses to scale and move fast is both inspiring and rewarding. I’m proud to be a part of this journey.”

As businesses look to capture the growth of India’s digital economy, Cashfree Payments is reinforcing its commitment to help businesses scale through a suite of fast and reliable services. The brand refresh aligns with the company’s mission to deliver a swift payment experience, enabling faster onboarding, quicker issue resolution, and more reliable settlements. This campaign positions Cashfree Payments as the ideal partner for businesses seeking speed and dependability in their payment operations, helping them overcome barriers and unlock new growth opportunities.

Aditi Olemann, Head & Senior Director of Marketing at Cashfree Payments said, “At Cashfree Payments, we are shaping the future of digital payments by making them inclusive and accessible to businesses of all sizes—whether it’s a startup in a small town or a large enterprise in a metro city. Our new tagline, ‘Move Fast,’ embodies the core of what we deliver: speed, reliability, and operational efficiency. With this brand refresh, we’ve reimagined Cashfree Payments to not only reflect our growth and evolution but also to capture the exciting path we’re charting for the future.”

Key elements of Cashfree Payments’ brand refresh campaign:

● Acclaimed Indian actor Rajkummar Rao is the face of the latest brand refresh campaign. This campaign will be supported by a digital brand film, outdoor advertising and more.

● The new brand tagline ‘Move Fast’ represents Cashfree Payments’ commitment to offering the best to businesses at speed and scale – fastest onboarding, fastest payments and fastest support.

● Cashfree Payments offering faster onboarding, faster payments and faster support is the core message driven through the brand refresh campaign.

● A version of the logo unit will incorporate ‘Move Fast’.

● Brand refresh campaign is slated to go live across digital channels and offline platforms from the week of 9th December

● The digital brand film has been conceptualised and created by the Cashfree Payments’ inhouse team in collaboration with the creative agency – OML

Cashfree Payments’ services include the fastest onboarding process in the industry, enabling merchants to integrate and activate their payment gateways in as little as one day. The company also prides itself on offering some of the quickest resolution times for technical, fraud, chargeback, and compliance issues, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations. Additionally, the company guarantees on-time settlements, empowering businesses with better cash flow management and increased working capital to fuel growth.

The company processes transactions worth USD 80+ billion annually and is trusted by over 6,00,000 businesses for digital payment solutions. The company has been at the forefront of redefining how businesses approach digital payments, onboarding, payouts and more through its wide range of tech-first offerings. In recent times, it has introduced industry-first products like Secure ID, flowWise for payment orchestration, KYC Link, Risk Shield for fraud monitoring and more. Outside of India, Cashfree Payments is expanding its presence in the UAE region through its acquired partner, Telr.

HSBC India Launches Premium Credit Card Tailored for Global Private Banking Clients

Mumbai, 9th December 2024: HSBC India has unveiled HSBC Privé – its first premium credit card designed with privileges exclusively curated for its private banking clients. The Global Private Banking business in India serves high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) who are professionals, entrepreneurs and their families with investable assets of more than USD $2 million.

The launch in India is part of a global programme to offer elevated travel, exclusive access and exceptional lifestyle experiences to its clients. Debuted in Hong Kong, besides India, the invitation-only card will also be launched in more markets globally.

Launched in collaboration with Mastercard, HSBC Privé’s privileges are specially curated for its UHNWI and HNWI clients, who are entrepreneurial, international and keen to expand their networks to discover new opportunities globally.

Commenting on the launch, Sandeep Batra, Head, Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India, said, “For our Global Private Banking clients who lead dynamic lives with a spirit of ambition and entrepreneurship, we offer a distinctive wealth management approach and our clients choose us not only because of our deep understanding of their needs, but also our capabilities to provide them with bespoke services beyond private banking. We are excited to welcome our clients to HSBC Prive and the unparalleled experiences and opportunities that it has to offer in line with their aspirations and lifestyle needs.”

Rich Indian entrepreneurs are spending their wealth on luxury residences, goods and experiences as they remain optimistic about their business prospects in the home market and believe their personal wealth will grow1.

Credit card spending by the UHNWI and HNWI segment, represented by World and World Elite Mastercard cardholders in India, increased by 87% year on year in 2023. Particularly, overseas spending on experiences and travel categories grew by 69% and 56%, respectively, over the same period, indicating these to be categories of strong, growing interest among HNWI and UHNWI cardholders2.

Gautam Aggarwal, Division President, South Asia at Mastercard, said, “Mastercard is a leader in delivering unmatched value proposition across consumer segments globally. India today is among the fastest-growing countries in terms of the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. At the cusp of such a tectonic shift in the economic composition of the country, this association will enable Mastercard and HSBC to elevate extraordinary experiences for the latter’s Global Private Banking clients. Integrating personalised services and priceless propositions with security that inspires confidence, HSBC Privé will set a new benchmark in the UHNWI and HNWI segment.”

Recognising these spending trends, HSBC Privé is built upon deep client insights to cater to the needs of UHNWI and HNWI clients. Dedicated Contact Center agents are available to assist HSBC Privé cardholders to explore a suite of prestigious benefits3 uniquely curated for them, including:

Elevated travel — A companion first or business class airline ticket with leading airlines, access to premium airport lounges worldwide, travel Insurance, VISA at your doorstep and zero forex mark-up on all international spends.

Exclusive access — Worldwide access to bespoke private clubs, members-only lounges and workspaces at more than 150 locations across Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States, access to Michelin Star restaurants, access to bespoke experiences such as travel to Antarctic by Private Jet, get complimentary golf access in Asia Pacific, offers on wellness program and sessions with celebrity trainers.

Exceptional lifestyle — Premium hospitality groups benefits, accelerated upgrade to highest tier, exclusive shopping privileges and more.